Seniorr Data Engineering Consultant – SQL Server DBA

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Job Description:

Seeking an experienced Database Administrator (DBA) to ensure the reliability, scalability, and performance of our systems and infrastructure. The primary focus will be on database performance tuning, automation, and expanding knowledge by cross-training on other database technologies, AI/ML engineering activities, and cloud migration work. Additionally, the candidate will address support gaps during our critical peak season timeframe and improve our overall DBA team skillsets within various technology stacks. This candidate has multiple years of database administration and/or development experience, is a self-starter, innovative, and proven to lead without direct authority.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Database Administration:
  • Install, configure, and maintain SQL Server instances across on-premises and cloud environments (e.g., Azure SQL Database).
    
  • Monitor database performance, tune queries, and optimize indexes for efficient operation.
    
  • Implement backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies to ensure data integrity and availability.
• Database Development:
  • Design, develop, and optimize database schema, tables, views, stored procedures, and functions to support application requirements.
    
  • Collaborate with application developers to integrate database functionality into applications and ensure seamless data access and manipulation.
• Cloud Integration and Migration:
  • Utilize cloud platforms (e.g., Microsoft Azure) to deploy, manage, and optimize SQL Server databases in cloud environments.
    
  • Facilitate data migration between on-premises and cloud databases, ensuring minimal downtime and data integrity.
    
  • Work extensively on the in-house Cloud Platform specific to United Health Group in migrating applications to cloud.
• Security and Compliance:
  • Implement database security measures, including access control, encryption, and auditing, to protect sensitive data.
    
  • Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and organizational security policies.
• Performance Optimization:
  • Identify and resolve database performance issues, optimize SQL queries, and fine-tune database configurations for improved efficiency and scalability.
• Automation and Scripting:
  • Develop scripts and automation tools to streamline routine database administration tasks, deployments, and monitoring.
• Collaboration and Support:
  • Work closely with development teams to understand application requirements, provide database expertise, and support application deployment and troubleshooting.
    
  • Collaborate with system administrators and IT teams to ensure smooth integration of databases with infrastructure and network components.
• Comply with the terms and conditions of the employment contract, company policies and procedures, and any and all directives (such as, but not limited to, transfer and/or re-assignment to different work locations, change in teams and/or work shifts, policies in regards to flexibility of work benefits and/or work environment, alternative work arrangements, and other decisions that may arise due to the changing business environment). The Company may adopt, vary or rescind these policies and directives in its absolute discretion and without any limitation (implied or otherwise) on its ability to do so

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate, AWS Certified Database – Specialty)
• 9+ years of experience as a SQL Server Database Administrator, including development and cloud platform proficiency
• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure, including cloud-based SQL Server offerings (e.g., Azure SQL Database, AWS RDS)
• Software engineering experience with Ruby, Python, Java, and/or .Net for automating tasks or building tools
• Proficiency in T-SQL programming, query optimization, and performance tuning
• Familiarity with monitoring tools such as Redgate, ElasticAPM, Zabbix, Dynatrace, etc.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and a passion for continuous improvement
• Proficiency in MSSQL clustering and Always On technology
• Proven automation skills, Python / PowerShell, to reduce manual work and maintain services efficiently
• Proven solid problem-solving and analytical skills with keen attention to detail
• Proven excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems quickly and effectively during unexpected outages or performance issues

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.